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4w ago

Pakistan Deploys 8,000 Troops and a Jet Squadron to Saudi Arabia Under 2025 Defense Pact

Reuters’ sourced disclosure, still unconfirmed by Islamabad or Riyadh, raises questions about Pakistan’s neutrality during its US–Iran mediation.

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Pakistan has deployed 8,000 soldiers, along with a squadron of jets and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia as part of their mutual defense pact in the face of ever-growing escalations with Iran, according to a new report.

Overview

  • Reuters reported Monday that Pakistan sent about 8,000 troops, roughly 16 JF‑17 fighter jets, two drone units and an HQ‑9 air‑defense battery to Saudi bases after aircraft began moving in early April.
  • The confidential pact signed in 2025 reportedly allows far larger contingents of up to 80,000 Pakistani troops and could include naval deployments.
  • Pakistan’s military, the foreign office and Saudi Arabia’s media office did not comment, while Pakistani security sources told local outlets that Western framing was selective or distorted.
  • Sources said Pakistani crews operate the deployed gear and Saudi Arabia pays the costs, placing Chinese‑made systems beside US‑built defenses already in the kingdom.
  • The reinforcement coincides with Pakistan’s role hosting US–Iran talks and helping secure a ceasefire, a dual track that could test its mediator credibility if the Gulf crisis escalates again.